Lucknow: Countries like Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Nepal continue to attract MBBS aspirants from Uttar Pradesh who fail to qualify for government medical colleges and cannot afford Indian private institutions. This trend has persisted since 2021, when the National Medical Commission (NMC) introduced a regulation recognizing medical degrees only from countries that allow medical graduates to practice in their respective nations.
NEET Requirement for Overseas Aspirants
An aspirant must also appear in the NEET eligibility test if they wish to pursue medical education abroad. According to education consultants, approximately 7,000 to 8,000 MBBS aspirants from Uttar Pradesh go overseas each year for medical studies. These students mostly come from middle-class families and choose foreign destinations due to limited seats in government colleges, which offer subsidized education, and the exorbitant fee structures of private colleges ranging between Rs 60 lakh and Rs 1 crore.
Cost Comparison: Abroad vs. India
In contrast, MBBS education in Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan costs between Rs 25 lakh and Rs 35 lakh, including living expenses. Some students, particularly from the Shia Muslim community, also opt for Iran. “Students are opting for what is available and valid. Until 2021, 10 to 12 countries were available as options, but now only a few are left,” said Dr. Ashish Mahendra, education consultant at Aryadhita Education.
Impact of Geopolitical Factors
“Earlier, Ukraine was also an option, but after the Russian invasion, it is considered unsafe. However, war has not affected Russian universities,” Dr. Mahendra added. Nepal has emerged as an alternative due to proximity and cultural familiarity, though limited seats and rising costs have constrained its appeal.
Affluent Students Choose Western Nations
There is also a segment of aspirants from affluent families who go to the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, and Canada, as they can afford the cost of education ranging from Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 4 crore in these countries. Admissions to medical institutions in these nations are through competitive tests such as UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) or MCAT (Medical College Admission Test), along with strong academic records and interviews. Candidates must also fulfill the requirement of appearing in NEET.
Admission Process and Costs
Admissions for the 2026 academic session are expected to begin after mid-May. While Eastern European universities generally do not charge application fees, consultancies collect a registration amount of Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000. Chief executive officer of Moksh Overseas Education Consultants, Dhananjay Shah, advised caution: “Students should verify recognition, course structure, internship provisions, and licensing eligibility before taking admission. Even a minor lapse can create problems later.”
